Lucky in Love (Southern Bride 4)

As I walked away, I felt her gaze practically boring a hole into my back. I had to force myself not to turn and glance back her way.

Saryn

I’D SUCCESSFULLY GONE a week without anyone from work asking me about Luke. Not even Natalie, his cousin, asked about it. But today was the first day I’d be working with Lucy, and I knew she wasn’t about to hold back.

I knew from talking with Ryan that he’d had his own night of fun with her. From what he’d filled me in on, she was very open about her escapades. I’d recently discovered she’d slept with Roger, Truitt’s brother, the night of his ER visit.

“Good morning!” Lucy said, practically skipping into the break room.

I glanced up at her and gave her a polite smile. “Morning. How were your days off?”

Lucy winked. “Fun. It started off with your brother, who I might add is super nice.”

With a roll of my eyes, I tried not to gag. “Please, don’t even go there, Lucy. What the two of you did is your business.”

She took a drink from her coffee, and I swear her eyes twinkled. “Natalie told me you and Luke hooked up.”

I nearly choked on my tea. “What!”

With a wave of her hand, she moved closer to me. “Be quiet, Saryn. My gosh, the other nurses are dying for information.”

My brow lifted and I gave her a look that said she was doing the very same thing.

“Listen, if there’s one thing you should know about me, it’s this. I like men, I like sex…a lot…and I have my fair share of fun. What I don’t like is women who gossip about my sex life.”

“Aren’t you asking about mine?” I asked with what I was sure was a disbelieving look.

“Yes, but I’m not going to turn around and tell anyone else. I get the feeling that what happened that night is not something you do often.” She gave me a once-over, then added, “Or ever, if I’m being honest.”

My mouth fell open slightly.

“Oh, please, don’t act like I’ve offended you. I don’t blame you for wanting a mindless night out, especially after your divorce. I take it the marriage wasn’t a happy one.”

“No, it wasn’t. He cheated, but we had pretty much checked out of our marriage long before I found out. And you’re right. I’ve never had a one-night stand before. I mean, Luke was the second guy I’ve ever slept with.”

Lucy stared at me like I had grown two heads.

“Shut up.”

I nodded. “The worst part of it all is that my parents had to see my walk of shame.”

Her eyes widened and she looked at her watch. “We’ve got ten minutes, tell me everything!”

When Lucy sat in the chair, I glanced at the door, then took a seat next to her. I closed my eyes and let out a long sigh before I focused back on her. “Lucy, it was humiliating. My folks were out in the yard with Truitt Carter and a guy who works for him.”

Her brows raised. “Go on.”

“Well, I pulled up and got out wearing the same thing I had on the night before, so it was plain and simple to everyone I was just then shagging my ass home.”

Lucy attempted not to smile, but the corner of her mouth twitched up.

“I hate the idea of anyone thinking I…”

“Had sex? You’re a grown woman, Saryn. If you want to spend the night with a man, that’s your right.”

“I know that, but my father was out there. He knows what I did! And my mother, she wasn’t angry with me, but I could see the disappointment in her face. Lord knows what Truitt thinks about me, although he was super nice about it.” I let a small smile play across my face.

“What do you mean?”

“Well, after my folks walked back into the house, I spoke with Truitt alone. I didn’t want him to think I was—”

I stopped speaking abruptly.

“A whore?” “That’s not what I was going to say, Lucy. More like…loose. Please don’t think I think of you that way.”

She laughed and waved her hand. “Like I said, I like sex. I don’t sleep around like everyone thinks; I’m careful, and I’m always up front with the guys I’m with. Truth be told, most of them want the one night, as well. I’m not ashamed, so don’t feel like you have to tiptoe. And you shouldn’t feel guilty for having a night out. And who cares what Truitt thinks? From what I hear, he’s no saint. Why care about his opinion?”

I shrugged. “He’s building my daughter’s playhouse and he’s friends with Ryan. I just didn’t want him to think I’m a bad mother.”

Lucy rolled her eyes. “He’s not going to think that. Okay, real talk. Did you enjoy your night with Luke?”